Matt has Prior knowledge

Prior works on his catching skills

It's very easy to become quite intense.

Matt Prior
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Matt Prior plans to take a relaxed approach when he attempts to relaunch his England career during the NatWest Series.

The Sussex wicketkeeper, 26, was recalled for the five one-day internationals against South Africa after nearly a year on the sidelines.

He was dropped following the Test leg of last year's Sri Lanka tour due to some under-par displays with the gloves.

But his replacement, Warwickshire's Tim Ambrose, has struggled for runs this summer, prompting the selectors to turn back the clock.

And as he prepares to return in Friday's day-night international at Headingley, Prior believes a more relaxed - but just as determined - attitude can reap dividends as he attempts to impress enough to earn a spot on this winter's tour to India.

"It's incredible that the keeping position for England has become this big thing," said Prior.

"The way I try and look at it is that you can't take it too personally otherwise you put yourself under too much pressure and you can't perform.

Mature

"I learned a huge amount from being involved with England before and I come back a year later as a more mature person and cricketer - I'm really looking forward to doing the job and doing it better.

"It's very easy to become quite intense. I guess that's all about wanting to do well and no matter how it comes out on the field, you're just trying to do well and put your best performance in."

Prior has averaged 58 for Sussex in the County Championship this season while also working on his keeping skills with former England stalwart Alec Stewart.

"I've never shied away from hard work and I've always worked hard on my game, but things like going back to your hotel and not thinking about anything else but the next day - you have to have your break away from it and your release," he explained.

"I think coming back a year older and wiser, I will have found a nice balance between the time when you're on and when you are off and let yourself relax a little bit."

Rain forced the cancellation of the scheduled one-off Twenty20 International at the Riverside on Wednesday but England are hopeful the weather will relent sufficiently for them to train outdoors at Headingley on Thursday.

Left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom will join the squad in Leeds after passing a fitness test on his injured hip.